The Shrimp Shack at Cozy’s (Clinton WA)

Date: June 7, 2025

Location: 8872 WA-525, Clinton WA

Website: https://cozys.shrimpshack.us

The oldest restaurant on South Whidbey Island, Cozy’s was established in 1932 as a casual family-friendly tavern near the Clinton ferry docks. Now known as The Shrimp Shack at Cozy’s, they serve an eclectic menu including shrimp, fish-n-chips, breakfast, pizza, burgers, and more.

Upon learning they’d run out of oysters (I often stop in for oyster shooters), I decided to try The California Burger, a 1/3 LB Angus Chuck beef patty with pepper jack cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, guacamole, and mayo, on a toasted bun.

1 Aesthetics — Gorgeous presentation! 8.5

2 Flavor — A classic! Is there anything more delicious than a bacon cheeseburger with guac? Yes! One with extra pickles, peppery seasoning, and a generous dollop of mayo. Good lord, what a delicious burger. 8.5

3 Mouthfeel — Damn near perfect! A beautifully assembled sandwich, with guacamole and mayonnaise applied evenly to the edges of the bun, and all the other ingredients distributed evenly, so you experience firm, chewy, crunchy, and juicy in every bite. If I were to nitpick, I would prefer crispier bacon and a sturdier bun, but the texture balance overall was outstanding. 9.0

4 Quality/Freshness — Great! Fresh and high-quality. 8.0

5 Integrity — Outstanding! Excellent proportions, a sound structure, and nothing shredded (full green leaf lettuce!). Easy to hold and devour. 8.5

6 Atmosphere — A long, low, funky dockside joint with both indoor and outdoor seating. Inside is dark, cool and indeed cozy, like a favorite neighborhood bar. 7.5

7 Service — Surprisingly efficient and friendly service. I arrived during a busy Saturday lunch rush, and there appeared to be only one person tending bar, seating people, taking orders, and providing table service. Nevertheless, there was plenty of pep in her step, and my burger arrived within a few minutes, piping hot, and served with a smile. 8.5

8 Satisfaction — So satisfying that I forgot all about the oysters. 7.5

9 Creativity/Uniqueness — A classic combination, with no unique ingredients, but they did an uncommonly good job of judging the correct amount of every component. 7.5

10 Value — $18.69, served with excellent, bottomless fries, is a tad too expensive. But you gotta appreciate the big portions and high quality ingredients. 7.5

I’ll definitely return for their deliciously diverse menu, full bar, and casual small town atmosphere. Recommended!

Total Score: 78.0